Brian May announces end to Queen touring

Brian May, the legendary guitarist for Queen, has announced that he does not intend to return to large-scale touring. In an interview with The Times, the 79-year-old musician stated that he made the decision approximately 18 months ago, citing the personal cost of constant travel and the sacrifice of his freedom.

May explained that a turning point occurred during a tour in the United States when a close family friend passed away. He noted that his tour manager informed him it was impossible to return home briefly, highlighting the restrictive nature of life on the road. He expressed a desire to prioritize his family, including his wife and grandchildren, and to dedicate more time to his interests in astrophysics.

While traditional touring is off the table, May is exploring revolutionary ways to present Queen’s music. Inspired by his visit to The Sphere in Las Vegas, he has sketched out concepts for an immersive concert experience. However, he expressed significant ethical reservations regarding the use of artificial intelligence to achieve such a feat, describing data centers as a “huge evil” that must be fought.